Best government Web sites: Massachusetts portal page

One of the things a Web design team should keep in mind is that the site should be organized in terms of function rather than mirroring the organization behind the site. The Massachusetts Web site is one of the best examples of how to do this.

The Web team is moving more than 100 state agency Web sites into one content management system and, in the process, has the chance to consolidate services under a single Web portal. Visitors don't need to know which specific agency handles a service. Like many sites, the home page divides the material by audience ' offering separate pages for residents, visitors, businesses and government.

Services such as the ability to search state laws or the state budget also are offered on the home page by name rather than the state agency that supports them. This state portal site is also unique in that it tries to foster a sense of community among state residents, offering pages that address the issues of the day. One page, for instance, offers tips on dealing with the high price of gasoline.

About the Author

Joab Jackson is the senior technology editor for Government Computer News.